AGENDA DATE: 12/1/2021
TITLE:
Title
Stream Health Initiative Phase II
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Work session to discuss proposals for improving stream health in the Rural Area and to receive Board direction regarding final selection and prioritization of proposals.
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Walker, Kamptner, Herrick, Filardo, McCulley, Rapp, Maliszewski, Pohl, Biasiolli
PRESENTER (S): Kim Biasiolli, Frank Pohl, Greg Harper, Laurel Williamson
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: In 2017, the Board of Supervisors directed staff to develop strategies for improving stream health in the county; this project is called the Stream Health Initiative. Phase I (2018-present) had a Development Area focus and resulted in thirteen proposals. In a public hearing on April 21, 2021, the Board voted to address a subset; work on others is phased due to staff resource needs.
Phase II has a Rural Area focus. The goal of Phase II is to develop strategies for improving stream health that are supported by the communities, landowners, and organizations that live and work in the Rural Area, using a collaborative and inclusive process. Phase II project updates were provided to the Board on November 18, 2020, April 7, 2021, and July 21, 2021.
Phase II public engagement, underway since January 2021, resulted in 16 recommended strategies presented during a Board work session on July 21, 2021. The Board expressed support for selected strategies and directed staff to further research and develop proposals. Staff is returning now to the Board with 14 proposals based on the strategies, staff analysis, community feedback, and input from the Board.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Natural Resources Stewardship - Thoughtfully protect and manage Albemarle County’s ecosystems and natural resources in both the rural and development areas to safeguard the quality of life of current and future generations.
DISCUSSION: A project update on Phase II is provided as Attachment A. An overview of the fourteen final proposals is included as Attachment B, and detailed descriptions are included as Attachment C. Public input received through a questionnaire is provided as Attachment D. Full proposals provided in Attachment C include analysis, anticipated outcomes, resource needs, and alignment with other County plans. Options were selected due to their ability to address the project goal of improving stream health in the Rural Area, and each might address one or more of the Vision & Goals for Stream Health in our Community (see Attachment E). Equity impact assessments are underway and will be completed prior to implementation of any project or program. Numbers associated with each proposal are for reference only and do not indicate prioritization. 
BUDGET IMPACT: Each proposal requires some combination of existing staff time, additional staffing needs, and/or associated program funding, as described in Attachments B and C. Several of the proposals present opportunities to leverage outside funds from partner agencies and grants; this will continue to be a focus of project work moving forward. In consideration of existing staff capacity and current budget projections, staff recommends staggering implementation of the proposals. Proposals recommended for FY 23 are those that are well-developed and ready for implementation, contingent on resource availability. Proposals requiring additional staff or funding and recommended for inclusion in the FY 23 budget include:
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
This is a Board work session and staff is seeking input and feedback before proceeding further. Unless there is Board interest otherwise, staff is prepared to take the following next steps:
1) Begin work on proposals 3 and 11, immediately actionable with existing staff;
2) Submit for consideration a budget request for FY 23 for resources needed to work on proposals 1, 2, 5, 6, and 13, to be carried forward by CDD staff;
3) Submit for consideration a budget request for FY 23 for resources needed to work on proposals 8 and 10, to be carried forward by FES staff;
4) Return to the Board for consideration of proposals 4, 7, 9, 12, and 14 in FY 24-FY 26.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Project Update
B - Overview of Proposals
C - Final Proposals
D - Develop Questionnaire Results
E - Vision & Goals for Stream Health in our Community